Nike releases its first sports hijab

The hijab will become available for purchase on December 7 on Nike’s website as well as in stores, after months of anticipation.

Nike set out to create a sports hijab after hearing from athletes that the more traditional hijab could sometimes lead to performance problems.

So, Nike developed a prototype and asked several athletes to try it out, including weightlifter Amna Al Haddad and figure skater Zahra Lari, both from the United Arab Emirates, runner Manal Rostom, a Nike Run Club Coach in Dubai, and Zeina Nassar, a German boxer.

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Then, they created the final version, which was made available for different facial shapes and body types, and the reception thus far has been incredibly positive for the athletes using them.

“It really sunk in how much my previous hijab was hindering my performance when I tried the Nike Pro Hijab,” said fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad. “Suddenly, I could hear, I wasn’t as hot and it felt like my body was able to cool itself down better and faster.”

Runner Manal Rostom also said, “It inspires me to reach greater heights and to run farther distances. And I believe it’s going to inspire girls worldwide to follow their passion for sport.”